From Comfort Zones to Cross-Cultural Interaction: Social Interaction Patterns of International Students in Indonesian Higher Education

Abstract

The increasing number of international students in higher education has created more diverse and multicultural academic environments, making social interaction an essential aspect of students’ adaptation and integration. However, international students often encounter challenges related to language barriers, cultural differences, and communication styles, which may influence their interaction patterns. This study examines the social interaction patterns of international students in Indonesian higher education. While previous studies have mainly focused on challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences, limited attention has been given to how social interaction develops in everyday contexts. This study aims to identify the patterns of social interaction and the factors influencing these patterns. This research employed a qualitative case study design involving 12 international students who completed a questionnaire and five students who participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, supported by descriptive statistical analysis. The findings reveal three main interaction patterns: comfort-zone interaction, transitional interaction, and active cross-cultural interaction. In addition, several factors influence these patterns, including language proficiency, confidence, cultural differences, opportunities for interaction, and the social environment. These findings indicate that social interaction is a dynamic process shaped by both individual and contextual factors